Posted on

A Good Cat Scratch

Viña Echeverria
Pét-Nat Wild 2022
100% Chardonnay
Single vineyard grapes, from ungrafted selected clones of prep-phylloxera French rootstock
Curicó Valley, Molina, Chile
Organic (practicing), sustainable (certified), wild yeasts, unfiltered, family owned & managed winery
Technical Director Chief Winemaker: Roberto Echeverría Jr.

Hazy yellow gold with a shimmer of green and a bit of bouncing bubbles. Going in for the sniff and wah! whoa! There’s mango mellow, pears, with salt & touch of smoke, apple, citrus spritz, and a something green. First sip and whoa again! All of the scents are in the taste with that green that’s a fresh stripped apple tree twig & lime zest. It’s crisp, vibrating, and a tingle tangle kiss of the wild or a good cat scratch satisfying that itch.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: dances together well but I prefer going solo

Just have to say I love the fun the Echeverrias bring to their natural wines. There’s always a little tidbit, fanzine, instructions, or like this pet’s label giving you and heads up about what you’re about to get hit with “aromas & flavors up to 11” and that its open & inclusive and pairs with Waldorf salad, BFFs, and true crime podcasts🕵️🔍. Oh this is so my regal feline groove. 😽

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Chile #organic #winetime #petnat #Chardonnay #cats #catsofinstagram #thesegotoeleven #catscratch #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @echeverriawines @tedward_ws @docwineshop @docwinebar

Posted on

Making Friends

Aida i Luis
“Girò” Maboi 2020
100% Girò
Alicante DO
Organic, indigenous yeast, dry farmed, hand harvested
Grapes sourced from single vineyard in Sierra de Bernia Natural Park
Xalò, Alicante, Spain
Winemakers: Aida Cisnal Roig & Luis Serra Bernabeu

Stained glass crimson-ruby. Scents pop out of plums, dried cherries, a spritz of perfume that turns into a bouquet of violets, dainty roses, magnolia depth, and after time a roll on the forest floor with some old pine needles. On the tip of my tongue there’s tangy blood orange/lemon/mandarin/lime squeeze & zest, followed by cherries, strawberries, blueberry, a little blackberry, raspberries, and on the back there’s a tingly herby thing like a smidge of eucalyptus/mint and other forest goodness “digging in the dirt” dark depth, and that bit of floral returns on the exhale.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: juicy, tart and floral mmmm

When I first met this bottle, I was greatly intrigued by the costumed fete figures on the label and of course the name. Turns out “Maboi” from what I’m finding, is actually Maori for “come and see” or/and “my friend”. Well, you’ll definitely want to come and see this wine and the beautiful elevated area from where their Girò comes and thrives. Will you make a friend? My bet is yes. Just share a glass with someone and a conversation is bound to bloom. 🍷

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Alicante #spain #organic #winetime #redwine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @aidailuis @steephillwine @antosicurezza @docwineshop @docwinebar

Posted on

Lust For Life

Cantine Polvanera
La Marchesana
Primitivo 2021
Puglia IGT
Organic
Gioia del Colle, Puglia, Italy
Owner & winemaker: Filippo Cassano

Ruby purple loveliness. Breathing in cherries and all the berries, a touch of butter cream frosting, and as it opens a pop of cherry cola. First sip and there’s cherry & pit depth, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries…like I said before all the berries and a fresh picked violet with a hint of cola. It’s a dancer that glides through a tango and then has a youthful kick that can do backflips on the dance floor in socially conscious pleather chaps. Also a bit of zest or as Iggy Pop says, “Lust For Life” (little side note I am a big Iggy fan and had a larger than life shirtless BW poster of him right at the foot of my freshman dorm room bed 😍 Love the lean & lanky ones).

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: smooth and dark

Thank goodness for stainless and Cassano’s love of Primitivo. He lets this little grape show us just how elegant and lively it can be and express the land and environment it resides. Makes me really want to find out where I can pick up a bottle of their Spumante Rosè Brut IGT “A” to see just what song the método charmat brings out. I bet it really sparks! 🍷

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Italy #Primitivo #organic #winetime #redwine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #jandamorewines @cheezit @polvaneraofficial @docwineshop @docwinebar

Posted on

Pair ‘Em Up!

Kuentz-Bas
Alsace Blanc 2021
65% Pinot Blanc, 15% Muscat, 14% Riesling, 6% Gewurztraminer
Biodynamic, organic
Alsace, France
Owner & vigneron: Jean-Baptiste Adam
Winemaker: Olivier Raffin

Yellow gold and a little green shimmer. Lovely scents of yellow melons, mango, a well shaken citrus cocktail, and pineapple,  All of the scents are their in the taste with pears, Lady apples, kirbys, and fresh basil herby in the back. Crisp, dry and hits the spot.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: oh so smooooth

This young Kuentz-Bas blend just sings of its Alsatian roots, tradition & terroir; and plays well with just about anything from a romantic candle light dinner of seared tuna in a black pepper crust to an afternoon in the sun backyard grilled cheeseburger with a side of onion rings. Actually this domaine got its start from a pairing. First there were the Kuentz from back in 1795 that blended through marriage in 1895 with the Bas family. Now it’s in the hands of Jean-Baptiste Adam (since 2004) and he and his team take great care of their lands and all that inhabit it with their biodynamic ways. If you want a moment of zen, watch this video of them prepping and applying the “Bouse de Corne”. With a workout like that you’ll never need a gym membership. 💪💪💪💪

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Alsace #France #organic #winetime #whitewine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @kuentzbas @kermitlynchwine @docwineshop @docwinebar

Posted on

A Real Work Of Art

Las Jaras Wines
Superbloom Cuvée Zero Zero 2022
California Table Wine
Co-ferment of red & white grapes sourced from Sierra Foothills
Organic
Sebastopol, CA
Winemakers: Joel Burt and Eric Wareheim (yes, that foodie & funnyman Eric)
Label art: Jade Roche

Deep very ripe watermelon juice fresh from the garden. Sniffing and right off there’s so many layers of goodness. There’s watermelon, raspberries & strawberries, bell pepper & a little slice of French breakfast radish (as it opens up), fresh rained on cement & granite in the early summer warmth, squeeze of lemon & lime, and orange zest. Ooh I love this stuff! Dancing on my tongue are those watermelons again with not quite ripe strawberries, zippy citrus blend, kiwi, fresh rhubarb, green gooseberry, maybe even little twinge of tomatillo, a tiny green peppercorn, and a little wild fling. It’s bright, vibrant, so alive, and full of multiple personalities.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: NOPE

I have walked past this cheerful looking bottle (the label made me think of what Rothko would paint if he’d microdosed) so many times meaning to pick it up but for some reason always getting distracted by something else. I have so been missing out! Joel & Eric’s wine is a rollicking good time. Just watch their videos and you can see how enthusiastic they are about the whole grape growing/winemaking process and also the art that graces their bottles & cans. Love that they asked friends to come up with imagery to pair with the wines and actually give them credit that is easily found and I don’t have to run around going nuts searching. Now I can just spend that extra time enjoying another glass of Superbloom. Cheers!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #California #organic #superbloom #winetime #redwine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @lasjaraswines @docwineshop @docwinebar

Posted on

Can You Blow Out 100 Candles?

Bodega Finca Abril
Alhambra Malbec Reserva 2020
Single Vineyard
Valle De Uco
Sustainable, organic, hand harvested
Mendoza, Argentina
Founders: Gustavo and Maria Laura

Deep purple with ruby shimmers. First scent up…vanilla cream center that later sticks around in the background, but let it keep breathing and then there’s raspberries, cherries, plums, baker’s chocolate, and a warm spice & smell from what I remember from my grandfather’s woodworking shop. Oh even in the first sip this has all the scents and more…blackberries (seeds & all), prunes (in a good way), deep darkest bitterly good chocolate, drop of singed citrus peel blend & a shave of cedar.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: deliciously juicy smooth

Finca Abril was started by Gustavo and Maria Laura in 1996, but they have vineyards far older…back to 1922, which means some had a massive birthday last year. Who blew out the candles on that cake? Now that would be quite a set of lungs. This bottle does come from some of the younger vines, and is called one of their entry level wines, but honestly if this is a “starter kit” for learning about what they have to offer, then bring on their “Art Collection”! Not only do you get limited edition blends (some of the senior grapes mingle with the teenagers), the labels also have artworks by select Argentinian artists, so get a wall mount to keep it on display because you’re not going to  want to put that bottle in the recycle bin.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Mendoza #Argentina #organic #winetime #redwine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @tedward_ws @bodegafincaabril @docwineshop @docwinebar

Posted on

Uprooted

Takri
Brut Nature
Sparkling wine
Voskehat 40%, Khatuni 30%, Banants 30%
Hand harvested
Vineyards are in the Vayots Dzor region, Armenia
Owners: Kaprielian Family

Light gold twinkling starlight with fine active bubbles, and as time goes by it turns more warm golden. Scents float up of toasty brioche & a bit of Nilla wafers, pears, peach cobbler, yellow plums, apricots, kumquat, and just a touch of magnolia. Sipping and all of the scents are right there, but lighter on the brioche & wafers, and tagging along is a blend of golden & red delicious apples, a small sprinkle of salt, and a citrus/key lime zing. It’s crisp, bright, elegant, and I absolutely love it and wish I had few more bottles on hand.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: Step away from the bag

Takri means “roots” in the Artsakh dialect, where their winery was originally located, but they were sadly uprooted due to war/conflict and this wasn’t the first time. Their ancestors were also in the wine business owning 11 vineyards before the Armenian genocide. I reached out to them wondering where this bottle originated, it turns out these “grapes are sourced from Armenia proper”, but they do still have still have “other vintages that are available for purchase are made with grapes from our vineyard in Artsakh.” I had read that they found new property in Armenia, but couldn’t imagine what they have been going through. So I reached out again to find out how the progress was going, and I received word that everything is up in the air due to the blockade. Their inventory and people cannot leave…my heart sank for them. They also sent a link to an article on Amnesty International’s site (2/9/23) detailing the conditions people are living in. Hoping and praying that peace will come, people will be safe and secure, and I’ll get the opportunity to try more of their lovely wines in the future.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #sparklingwine #bubbly #worldbyglass #Armenia #armenianwine @takriwines @docwineshop @docwinebar

Posted on

Behind (Or Beside) Every Great Woman, Is Another Great Woman

HER
Pinotage 2021
100% Pinotage
Sustainable
Western Cape, South Africa
General Manager & Winemaker: Praisy Diamini
Consultant Winemaker: Natasha Williams
Viticulturist: Ruth Faro
Logistics: Jody-Ann Appollis
Accountant: Janine Goosen
Production Clerk: Nichole van Wyk
Quality Manager: Verna Ross

Shining ruby. Starts off with scents of tomato leaves (oh I love tomato leaves!), plums, prunes, cherries (fresh & dried), a touch of Pepsi, and a dried fruit bundle of raisins, figs & apricots. Tasting all the same fruit along with strawberry, blackberries, boysenberry, some garden fresh red bell peppers, lemon twist, a pinch of anise & forest herbs, and a bite of an olive pit. It’s young, lively, and a perfect wine for grilling season. Bring on the steaks!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: actually smooooooth and adds blueberries

You may wonder why I mentioned the names of the whole HER team. Every single one of these women are important to the whole entity. As they say on their site,  “Each of us brings our skills, our heritage, our energy and our expertise. The HER Wines Team is comprised of a group of black women who, by grabbing at opportunity, working hard and relying on each other, have stepped into the world of business, previously unattainable to our families, particularly the women.” They also know the importance of giving back, and are setting aside 2% of their profits toward a scholarship for the driven, talented & passionate children from families that work with the vineyards where HER sources their grapes. Who knows, some of these young ones may be the next big winemakers that we’re all chasing for their next bottle in the future. 🍷

Oh and this has sparked an old Eurythmics (ft Aretha Franklin) song to get stuck in my head.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #westerncape #southafrica @herwinecollection @wine4theworld @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

Posted on

What Do You Do In Your Spare Time?

Poggio di Cicignano – Vanempo
Aura 2017
Bianco Toscana IGT
Trebbiano Toscano 45%, San Colombano 35%, Malvasia Bianca 20%
Biodynamic, organic, hand harvested, indigenous yeasts, 5 days skin contact
Montemurlo, Italy
Michele Sacchetti & Laura Fabbri

Deep prehistoric amber sans the mosquito. Give it a bit of time to breathe, and out pour scents of a blend of apples & pears and a bit of their cider, citrus zest, a hint of candied orange peels, dried apricots, tangelos, and a bit of that smell when you roll down a grassy hill. Wheeee! Take a swig and ooh there’s oranges, lemon squeeze, all sorts of citrus zest, tart apple cider, dried apricots, what I first thought was a memory of circus peanuts but actually as it warmed, morphed into one of my favorites of childhood…the taste of Original Pop Rocks without the popping (oh I loved that feeling!), and at last a touch of oregano. Fun, lively and btw is really good with bacon.

I had been wondering where the name “Vanempo” came from (btw it’s a well designed logo), and turns out it comes from a combo of two words, “Avanza and Tempo” which pretty much means “spare time”. Well, Michele & Laura originally started this wine adventure in their “extra time” as a passion project. As Michele says, “I’ve always believed in beautiful things, and beautiful things arise from a child’s dreams.” They launched those youthful dreams, and turned them into a full fledged bio certified winery reality, filled with “hands off” celebrated wines. Now, that’s so much more then a side gig. Been working my way through their line up, and all the ones I’ve tried so far have been pure natural magic. ✨

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #orangewine #worldbyglass #organic #Toscana #Italy @steephillwines @antosicurezza @vanempo @docwineshop @docwinebar

Posted on

🎶She Put Love Above Everything🎶

Azienda Agricola Luretta
Castello di Momeliano
Boccadirosa 2019
Malvasia Aromatica di Candia
Colli Piacentini DOC
Organic
Gazzola, Piacenza, Italy
Owner: Lucio Salamini

Orange light amber. At the start smelling a bunch of spring flowers that as it opens goes honeysuckle & roses, vibrant oranges & their blossoms, a blend of dried citrus peels, fresh lime zest, ginger, and oddly a poof of Lemonhead candy right after you open the box. Sipping and it’s just sweet enough with lemons, Valencia and Mandarin oranges, tangerine, ok…don’t laugh but a few Fruity Pebbles, a shake of salt, and a lovely drop of honey. It’s a beautiful start or end to an evening.

Malvasia Aromatica di Candia may have its origins in Greece, but the Salamini family’s is something truly special that is like nothing I have ever tried before. As they say on their site, “Malvasia is often produced in sweet or sparkling versions. But according to Luretta, this traditional method could not exalt all the potentialities of such a rich and intense grape. For this reason, since 1992, we have been producing Boccadirosa, a unique still white wine, which has not been modified for thirty years. Why? No need for change.” Boccadirosa aka Rosemouth, please never change, I beg of you! You are a classic elegant beauty…and as the lyrics go:

“They called her Bocca di rosa
she put love, she put love
they called her Bocca di Rosa
she put love above everything.”

❤️🌹👄❤️

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #orangewine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #organic #Malvasia  #Boccadirosa #Italy #usawineimports @cantinaluretta @docwineshop @docwinebar